In this series, we highlight players that you, as football enthusiasts, should know more about heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Today’s prospect is Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock, one of the most intriguing sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Petersburg, Virginia, native has quietly been one of the most productive linebackers in college football over the past two seasons. While he may not be in a Power Five Conference (Buffalo is in the MAC), the level of competition should not overshadow the impact he has consistently shown on film.
What makes Red Murdock a Hidden Gem
At nearly 6’2″ and 235 pounds, Murdock carries the size and tackling gifts that NFL franchises look for in a modern off-ball linebacker. His ability to go sideline to sideline while keeping strong pursuit angles makes him a terrorizing presence against the run. On film, Murdock consistently shows the motor, awareness, and physicality that translate well to the next level.
Strengths
Over the past two seasons, he has become a tackling demon. He has recorded multiple seasons of 140+ tackles, with 2024 totaling 156. That level of production shows he is a consistent playmaker.
In the NFL, creating turnovers keeps you in the league for a long time. According to the NCAA, Murdock broke the all-time record of forced fumbles with 17.
Murdock is also a strong against the run and has been an enforcer in the middle of the defense.
His motor also stands out among others in the NFL Draft. Murdock consistently plays with a competitive toughness and effort.
Areas For Improvement
The production and instincts make him one of the more intriguing linebacker sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft, but there are several parts of his game that scouts and general managers will want to see at the next level.
The first major concern for NFL scouts will be athleticism. Murdock does not have elite long speed compared to his classmates, which raises questions about how he will hold up in coverage against NFL running backs and tight ends.
Another factor that will be assessed is the level of competition he endured throughout his whole collegiate career. The MAC did not face as many Power Five-level teams or high-tier offensive talent as other conferences did.
His size and ability to disengage against blockers will still need some work. At his current frame of 235-40 pounds, he will need to add more weight to go up against savvy veterans who can also rely on technique against him.
The Projection and NFL Fit
Red Murdock is likely to project as a developmental starting linebacker with the high floor of a rotational defender at the NFL level. His instincts in the run game, turnover production, and tackling ability give him a strong foundation to carve out a role.
He will profile best as a Will Linebacker or as an early-down MIKE who can provide the defense with a strong run defender. Murdock’s ability to diagnose plays quickly and attack downhill makes him a great fit for schemes that ask linebackers to play fast against the run.
Due to his athletic limitations and growth in coverage, Murdock will more than likely have to come off the field on obvious passing downs as he continues to develop his game.
Murdock can be seen in a scheme that provides a multi-defensive front, such as 4-3, 3-4, or 4-2-5, that relies on an instinctive middle linebacker who preaches downhill run-stopping. The teams that value the physical nature, production, and leadership could view him as a Day 3 value pick with high starter upside.
Why Red Murdock is a Sleeper
Despite not getting as much public attention as the Power Four linebackers, Red Murdock is a real sleeper in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his production and intuition. If he tests well during the pre-draft process, Murdock could emerge as one of the most under-the-radar linebacker prospects in the class.
